Where Chefs Eat: Lars Kollrepp Spent Years in Sardinia. He Thinks This Gold Coast Pizzeria Is Epic
The chef shares his favourite local spots, from Japanese omakase counters to wine bars with rich and complex small plates.
by Lucy Bell Bird · BroadsheetLars Kollrep has Queensland hospitality in his blood. His father Marty Kollrepp ran Oskars on Burleigh, where Lars started polishing silverware at just six years old. At 15, he made the move to the kitchen. He worked there until the restaurant closed in 2018.
He then went on to work at Simon Gloftis’s The Fish House and Hellenika where he was sous chef. He opened Nineteen at The Star and then made the move to SK Steak & Oyster where he was head chef. He was promoted to executive chef working across Gloftis’s restaurant group (Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster, Sunshine & Sushi Room) but stepped down to follow his dream of starting his own restaurant. Lars Bar & Grill, a 110-seat diner delivering “Gold Coast-style fine dining” in a laid-back space, opened in August.
When he’s not on the tools, he’s exploring the best the Goldy has to offer, from fish markets to fine diners.
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What’s your favourite dish on the menu at Lars Bar and Grill?
My favourite dish on my menu is the locally caught knobby snapper with butter, capers and lemon. It has been very popular and we’ve had rave reviews.
Tell us about a hidden gem that you think is underrated but great.
This is not underrated but it’s definitely a hidden gem, Little Itoshin in Miami, Queensland. They have the best cocktails and raw fish on the Gold Coast.
And for a drink and snacks?
This would have to be Moustache, a couple of doors down from Lars Bar & Grill. Good wine and tasty snacks.
And what about the best food close to where you live?
I lived in Sardinia for two years, so I love pizza. The best place on the Gold Coast is Franc Jrs. Try the jalapeno poppy pizza and the frozen Margarita. They are both epic!
And where do you think does the best coffee in town?
The best coffee, in my opinion, is from Buoy at The Oxley. Friendly staff and good coffee.
What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway?
Miami Fish Market for nice fresh fish’n’chips.
If it’s a special occasion, where are you headed?
For a special occasion, I’d head to Rick Shores. I have celebrated a few special occasions here, and it’s always top-notch.